‘Volta,’ Cirque du Soleil’s new show coming to Tysons, celebrates the adventurous spirit

Danila Bim hangs by her hair. [Matt Baerd/courtesy Cirque du Soleil

By David Siegel

With a theme about freedom to blaze one’s own trail in life, Cirque du Soleil returns to the area with “Volta,” an all-new show under the 60-foot big top at Tysons II.

“After 35 years of creating circus shows, Cirque du Soleil wanted to explore new territories, and we thought that street sports were a very great element around which we had never worked,” says the production’s publicist, Steven Ross. “Those sports usually come with an attitude: a freedom to do what you want, the way you want. That’s why we decided to tell a story about freedom and about self-acceptance.”

“Volta” tells the story of Waz, a game show contestant bound for a journey of extraordinary self-discovery. He seems to have lost touch with himself. What will he find on his journey? “Volta” unites high energy, physical agility, street sports and extreme performances into a visually arresting world. The production is enhanced with Anthony Gonzalez’s high-energy musical compositions and Zaldy’s evocative costumes.

“It’s magical to fly,” says Danila Bim, a hair suspension artist.  She performs acrobatics suspended 25 feet in the air and held only by a hook through her hair.

Asked how she gets ready to perform her routine, she says, “All my hair together is strong. My performance is not only physical but mental.”

Bradley Henderson, a hoop diving artist, dashes forward on the Cirque stage and hurls himself through hoops that are placed higher and higher off the floor, up to 15 feet.

“I have to be very precise when I launch myself to tumble through each hoop. To do that I manipulate my body to complete the routine very accurately,” Henderson says.

The audience response is critical to both Bim and Henderson. “Audience applause, gasps, and silences mean so much. It means they are here with us.” says Bim. “It feels amazing to have the audience respond to what we do.”

“We want it to be magical for them. We want them to leave their daily reality,” Henderson adds.

Cirque du Soleil’s “Volta” aims to amaze audiences of all ages with a story about inclusion and “oh-my” feats.

Where and When: Cirque du Soleil presents “Volta” at Tysons II, 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons. There are performances July 25 to Sept. 8; Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m. (Friday, Aug. 30 at 4:30 and 8 p.m.), Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Tickets start at $49. Special ticket packages, such as VIP Experience, Behind the Scenes, Producer Seats, and Family Pack are available. There are discounts for groups of 12 or more. Order tickets online or call 877-924-7783. Note: The show contains flashing lights that could cause difficulties for people with photosensitivity.

This article is based on a review in the Connection.